The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman

_ 321 _ On the Wednesday, the Governor sent a message to the Ambassador instructing him to make ready the presents to be taken to Sheikh Ismael. This was duly done and a large number of Captains and others on horseback came to the tents for our people. When they were a musket shot away from the Sheikh they fired some camels in the Governor’s presence. The latter ordered the bales and other items to be untied for Sheikh Ismael to see as they passed in front of him. The firearms were carried on silver trays, and he was delighted to see them; as also the breastplates. Sheikh Ismael’s tents were in a camp along a river bank and next to them were those of the Queen his wife; stone’s throw around. But there were no other tents for a good. When the said presents had passed in review, they were brought to the Sheikh accompanied by the overseer and the treasurer. The Ambassador approached him and kissed his hand and foot. Then Gil Simões, the Ambassador’s secretary, went and kissed the ground three times. He was armed with plate armour which was a delight to the Sheikh’s eyes and he requested him to disarm in his presence. After him came Francisco de Sousa and Gaspar Pires, the interpreter. Sheikh Ismael was in a very large and rich tent fashioned and embroidered in gold, on a carpeted platform

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